DID YOU READ

Indie Fund Announces First Sponsored Games

Indie Fund made a big splash at last year’s GDC, when it was announced that some of the biggest names in indie game development would be banding together to help financially foster future creativity. A year later, some of the fund’s principals came back to reveal the games that will be getting support and revealed, too, just how the numbers look when they choose to support a developer. The panel consisted of Indie Fund-ers Nathan Vella (Capybara Games), Kellee Santiago (thatgamecompany) and Ron Carmel (2D Boy), along the developers they’ll be funding. Steve Swink of the Enemy Airship dev studio showed off the much-anticipated “Shadow Physics,” which looks really cool. Next up was Q.U.B.E. And rounding out the was Andy Schatz, designer of last year’s Independent Games Festival winner “Monaco.” Swink in particular talked about how the fact funding by people whose work he so greatly admires pushes him even harder to create a great game.

[“Shadow Physics”]

[“Q.U.B.E.”]

[“Monaco”]

During the panel, Ron Carmel reiterated the Indie Fund main tenets: a shorter, more transparent, submission process, developer owns the IP and flexibility in dev schedule. The initial communication model was monthly development check-ins and then a monthly release of sponsorship funds but that changed. What’s been happening has been video updates and e-mails as necessary. As for financials, the Fund aims to recoup only after 100% of the funding has been made back and that a revenue share between developer and Indie Fund happens for two years after recoup. If the game doesn’t recoup, the debt to Indie Fund is forgiven after three years so as to you’re not beholden to them. The initial investments of funding will range is $40,00-$150,00.

Usually, big publishers set up a work schedule for developers to hit guarantee continued funding. Santiago talked about the effect that has on development, “It’s really patronizing for a publisher to hold a milestone delivery payment over a developer’s head. As a developer, I have far more at stake than you. It’s my game!” At Indie Fund, we want our developers to be focused on making the best games possible.

Asked about the risk of funding newer talent, Carmel said, “There are moments where everyone realizes when a game’s on track or not.” Schatz talked about the tension there, adding, “Everyone suffers when things don’t go according to plan but the developer suffers most.”

The developers didn’t divulge any dates as to when to expect any of the Indie Fund games, but the likelihood that they’ll actually come out is a lot more likely. Patience, children, the awesome is coming.

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The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Catch up on Portlandia’s final episodes on demand and at IFC.com

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Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.